The WORD, May 26, 2025
\n(Publication of Journalists for Christ International Outreach)<\/p>\n
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose.”
\nRomans 8:28<\/p>\n
Is journalism a calling?
\nWhat does it take to be a journalist in the ministry of the called?<\/p>\n
Veteran Journalist, Pastor Segun Babatope, answered the above questions in 1999 when he spoke at the monthly fellowship of the Journalists for Christ International Outreach in Lagos, Nigeria.<\/p>\n
As a Christian Journalist, Pastor Babatope said: “If God has ordained you to be a journalist, He didn’t make any mistake at all.”<\/p>\n
“He made you to be a journalist because He knew in His wisdom and fore-knowledge that you would be used by Him to declare His message, and that a time would come that you would respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and give your life to Christ.”<\/p>\n
According to Pastor Babatope, journalists play a very crucial role in any society, part of which is societal transformation.<\/p>\n
As the light of the world, he said, “Our calling is very high. As a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, we should show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light.<\/p>\n
“Our calling is holy. We operate in the midst of journalists whose languages are very filthy and if care is not taken, we could become like them, unless we allow the Lord to change our tongues and lips and we give ourselves to prayers and understand that though we are working with these people, our calling is different from theirs.”<\/p>\n
To be regarded as a true Christian journalist who sees being in the profession as a call, Pastor Babatope says the questions to answer are the following:<\/p>\n
“Have you truly given your life to Jesus Christ?”<\/p>\n
“In the places where you work, can people see you and they will know that you have been with Jesus Christ?”<\/p>\n
“Are we reflecting the calling of God upon our lives?”<\/p>\n
If there is anything to add to the above admonition, it’s to remind us of Apostle Paul’s counsel to the Romans in Romans 12:2 –<\/p>\n
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”<\/p>\n